l for the repetition of the
ceremony, which I had told them was insisted upon by her uncle Harlowe.--
But I accounted for this, by telling both widows that she was resolved to
keep on the reserve till she heard from Captain Tomlinson, whether her
uncle would be present in person at the solemnity, or would name that
worthy gentleman for his proxy.

Again I enjoined strict secresy, as to this particular; which was
promised by the widows, as well as for themselves, as for Miss Rawlins;
of whose taciturnity they gave me such an account, as showed me, that she
was secret-keeper-general to all the women of fashion at Hampstead.

The Lord, Jack! What a world of mischief, at this rate, must Miss
Rawlins know!--What a Pandora's box must her bosom be!--Yet, had I
nothing that was more worthy of my attention to regard, I would engage to
open it, and make my uses of the discovery.

And now, Belford, thou perceivest, that all my reliance is upon the
mediation of Lady Betty and Miss Montague, and upon the hope of
intercepting Miss Howe's next letter.

LETTER IV

MR. LOVELACE, TO JOHN BELFORD, ESQ.

This fair inexorable is actually gone to church with Mrs. Moore and Mrs.
Bevis; but Will. closely attends her motions; and I am in the way to
receive any occasional intelligence from him.

She did not choose, [a mighty word with the sex! as if they were always
to have their own wills!] that I should wait upon her. I did not much
press it, that she might not apprehend that I thought I had reason to
doubt her voluntary return.

I once had it in my head to have found the widow Bevis other employment.
And I believe she would have been as well pleased with my company as to
go to church; for she seemed irresolute when I told her that two out of
a family were enough to go to church for one day. But having her things
on, (as the women call every thing,) and her aunt Moore expecting her
company, she thought it best to go--lest it should look oddly, you know,
whispered she, to one who was above regarding how it looked.

So here am I in my dining-room; and have nothing to do but to write till
they return.

And what will be my subject thinkest thou? Why, the old beaten one to be
sure; self-debate--through temporary remorse: for the blow being not
struck, her guardian angel is redoubling his efforts to save her.

If it be not that, [and yet what power should her guardian angel have
over me?] I don't know what it is that gives a